The Secrets to a Super-Happy Winter

Embrace the season

Freezing temps? Check. Gray skies? Check. Crabby mood? Check again. But not for long! It may be gloomy outside, but your outlook doesn’t have to be.

“There are simple things you can do to stay positive,” says Sonja Lyubomirsky, PhD, a professor of psychology at the University of California, Riverside, and author ofThe How of Happiness. “It’s important to keep your mood up because it can help you avoid everything from gaining extra pounds to feeling lethargic.” Try these techniques to stay sunny all winter long—no trip to the Bahamas required!

Winterize your workout

It can be tough to muster the motivation to make it to the gym when the temperature is below zero. But “exercise can boost your mood, and you need that lift even more during the winter,”says Patricia Laguna, PhD, a professor of kinesiology at California State University, Fullerton.

Laguna suggests that you give yourself some incentive. Jot down an exercise schedule at the beginning of the week, varying the type of sweat fest to keep it interesting; then reward yourself with a small treat, like a mani-pedi, when you stick to it. And consider braving the elements: Research shows that exercising outside can lift your spirits, but if the weather won’t cooperate, keep a go-to exercise DVD on hand.

Eat your way upbeat

Try to resist the call of fatty, sugary comfort fare. Highly refined carbs and sugar can wreak havoc on your blood sugar level, which can leave you feeling cranky, says Elizabeth Somer, RD, author of Eat Your Way to Happiness. Some comfort foods, however, can double as healthy pick-me-ups, especially if they contain mood-boosting nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, good carbohydrates (think whole grains and vegetables), protein, and B vitamins.

Get your group on

Bears may hibernate, but we humans weren’t meant to hide away in our dens all winter. In fact, socializing is a very powerful way to boost your mood, says Esther Sternberg, MD, author ofThe Balance Within.

Instead of holing up in your house until spring, set aside some time each day for a “buddy moment,” whether that’s grabbing a quick lunch with a co-worker or meeting your sister for a Spinning class. Establishing “get together” routines also helps, Sternberg adds: Start a wine-tasting club, or invite friends over for a dance-workout party.

Relish winter’s pleasures

Hot toddies! Warm woolen mittens! Ice-skating! Taking the time to savor the most amazing things about this season can make you more content, Lyubomirsky says. “When you enjoy rather than dread what’s around you, your optimistic thoughts will start trumping your negative ones,” she explains. Next time your mind starts to drift toward your numb toes and nose, refocus on the positive—you’ll be able to sip tea in front of a crackling fire as soon as you get home.

Anticipate a great escape

There’s not a whole lot to look forward to after all the holiday hubbub. (Presidents Day? C’mon!) So start hatching a scheme to skip town now. Planning a trip—or even just thinking about one in the future—can make you happier, according to a study in the journalApplied Research in Quality of Life.

If you can spare the time and cash for a getaway, book one ASAP. If not, start researching a late-spring or summer expedition, because even thinking about it will be magic for your mood. Stay on top of flight deals onairfarewatchdog.com, and sign up for private sale travel sites likevacationist.com and jetsetter.comfor insider prices.